Vacuum bagging. I’ve read about the benefits on here but can’t find certain things like (and maybe this is just me being a bit slow) what you actually use to vacuum bag with and a specific method for doing it? I see scattered bits and bobs and can make assumptions. But assumptions are dangerous things and I wouldn’t mind an idiot proof response or a link to an idiot proof article on the topic.
Secondly, I’m after making a board out of biofoam from Homeblown and I’m interested what this is like to shape with and if it’s much different to standard PU foam?
Lastly, there’s a video of Greg Webber shaping a channel bottom surfboard http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S7TpNnVPch0 and I’m interested what tool it is he uses to make the intial grooves? It looks like an angle file to me and if that is the case does anyone know where I can fetch one in the Uk?
Thanks in advance.
gaz
ps - In case anyone see’s this who read my previous post about a glassing nuts up, the board is now finished and has surfed well in 8ft waves (stoked much?) Thanks for the help
it doesnt have everything detailed but gave me a better idea, I think if you become a member it tells you more steps, im gonna keep looking and ill post more if I find anything, let me know if you find anything too,
Anybody else? Normally it's impossible to get people on forums to shut up not to speak.
C'monnn don't be shy ;)
[/quote]
I'm no expert either, but I have done some dabbling with vacuum bagging. I had a few major mess-up's my first few times. I recommend starting out with a small project -- like a handplane.
I think that my little rotary vane medical pump (shown above) is the way to go. I bought it on eBay for about $170. It is quiet, doesn't need oil, and can run all day if necessary. A lot of guys build complex systems out of old refrigerator motors, and PVC pipe reservoirs. They are nice because the motor doesn't run continuously, but I don't mind the sound of the puttering motor. It's just so simple to flip the switch, adjust the pressure valve, and leave it alone. The bag you see above was made of 3 mm plastic sheeting from the paint section of the hardware store. There are better bags out there, but this is what I had on hand at the time. I have used this particular bag five times, and it's still going strong.
You should also check out Greg Loehr's WMD Compsand posting. It is a bit of a slog to read through all 86 pages, but there is some great info in there. Here's the link:
Refregirator pump is free, regulation is simple with a syringe a coil and a switch. Tank and oil are not needed. It’s realy cheaper than a real vacuum pump but it can do the job.
Doing something simple, like pulling down a veneer or layer of hd foam, is an easy way to start. Greg's WMD thread lays out the steps (as does Bert's thread).
You'll need to start with a lighter core if you're going to take full advantage.
It means that if you start a big project and don't know what the hell you are doing, you'll probably fuck it up beyond repair.
We don't know if you have skills, or are a complete freak side show with power tools. How many boards have you made?, do you know how to glass? Can you hammer two boards together without bending a nail? Can you ride a bike and chew gum at the same time?
So in laymans terms, maybe best to make a nice white surfboard with a flat bottom and a single fin. That would be the easiest.
Well to prevent “fuck ups” advise instead of getting all angsty eh?
I am a complete freak side show with power tools but I’ve been perfectly capable of knocking boards out for the last 2 years that have lasted well in North East UK surf.
And why would you want to hammer two boards together that’d be silly.
Keep your flat bottom, I like my bottoms curved ta.
You’re a newbie around here. Let me give you a piece of advice- if you play nice, Resinhead will give you really good info. Instead, if you act like a nasty seal and start barking you will suffer the wrath of some wicked humor.
By the way, thanks for th link to the Webber video. The tool he is using to start the channels is a round surform blade.
I made at least four boards from the Biofoam from Homeblown. I bought a bunch of blanks from them when they went out of business here in Hawaii. The blanks shape just like a typical PU blank but a bit softer. US Blanks and Exell blanks are a lot more crispier. The biofoam I had were more tan in color. I just foam stained stain the blanks prior to glassing. I was paying $30 (US) for the short board blanks and $60 for the long boards blanks. I couldn't go wrong with with the price and the foam is decent.
llilibel03 - I just asked questions and got an arsey response. Not exactly a warm welcome? All I want is advice. Cheers for the heads up on the file, I’ve already got a Surform Round file, so that’ll make life easier when it comes to the next one
uncled - Nice one, they’re still running here in the UK, and they’re charging the same for standard PU or BioFoam. I reckon I’ll try one out next time. How are they for durability etc? What are the finished boards like to ride?
I think the train went off the track with the walk before you run post. I’ve got to agreee though. Your website has you building boards for top dollar, while you are asking the most basic questions; hence you don’t have your skills yet.
As a former surfboard customer, i was always **PISSED **when I paid my hard earned money to some guy who couldn’t back up his promise. In essence, you are really cheating your customer when you charge pro prices for beginner quality. You make the industry look bad.
Now for some old guy, fatherly advice. You will make far more money with the same skill set installing hardwood floors than you will earn making surfboards. Build surfboards for the art of it, for the stoke of riding your own, or your buddy getting a great wave on the board you made, but at least for now, take down the business website.
Ok I'll bite. What part of not fucking up do you want to know about?
You expect us to write an entire esay on how to make a vac bag surfboard? All that's written adnausem in the archives.
I'll tell you all kinds of stuff, just exactly are you enquiring about? skin thickness, mmhg pull, density of blank, lamination scheduling, epoxy elasticity, fin placement, rail shape, rocker, fin shape...pinlines, sprayer, N95 masks, organic filters, squeegees, laytex gloves. etc. etc
I was thinking the same thing. The link to the website opened our eyes to some obvious problems. My thought was another person jumping on the “green” money wagon. Bio-foam and Balsa with hemp cloth.
The only green boards are the ones cut out of fallen trees form your location using hand tools, no electricity needed, and rubbed down with natural oils or sealing saps.
I just cut up some agave I got from my next door neighbor’s yard. I needed electricity to run my saws to cut the wood, and it will need to be glassed over later, so only partially green. After all the work is done, I’ll never be able to sell it for the labor I’ve invested, not at the rates I get paid at my day job. But one day it will make a great gift that will be priceless.
